ADVOCACY IN ACTION

CVS Pharmacy made a bold move by banning cigarettes from all their stores across the country. In a statement, CVS President Larry Merlo was quoted as saying "the sale of cigarettes was contrary to CVS corporate values." The decision put at risk $2billion in annual revenue. Imagine the pride of employees who can go to work every day knowing that the company they work for values something greater than the pursuit of revenue.

To their customers, taking a stand for values, for doing what’s right vs. what’s expected, clearly sends a signal that CVS truly cares about the health of those they serve. In fact, the company has completely pivoted, transcending their old life as a common “drug store” and positioning themselves for the future as a health care advocate organization investing in “minute” clinics in-store, creating tobacco secession programs, and urging their customers to monitor their personal health.